Wedding flowers, your way.
Everything you need to plan, order and care for your own wedding flowers — from the people who've supplied Charleston weddings for over 50 years.
We're your guide — never your pressure.
This is your day. Our experts share what they know about blooms, colors and timing so you can make informed decisions, then we make sure you get the flowers exactly as you envisioned.
- Lasting relationships with growers around the world mean great value and variety
- A reference room full of books, photos and color guides — free to browse
- Need a designer after all? We'll happily recommend one
Your flower countdown
2–3 months out
Pick your palette and check what's naturally in season for your date. Consider a small test order to practice.
2+ weeks out
Place your special order. Order by color and flower form so substitutions stay on-theme.
1 week out
Final changes need 7 days' notice. Book your pickup appointment and line up buckets & helpers.
2–3 days out
Pick up your flowers — they rest best in our cooler until then. Hydrate, design and enjoy!
Wedding flower calculator
Find a photo of the design you love, count the stems of each flower, then multiply by how many pieces you need. Use the calculator to total it up.
- Translate stem counts into bunches — stems per bunch are listed on every product
- It's better to have a few too many stems than too few
- Order by color: if one pink flower isn't available, another pink can substitute
- Order by form: be ready to swap one line, filler or focal flower for another
Estimates are a starting point. Our reference materials in-store offer more guidelines and example photos.
with a 10% safety buffer:
If you're comfortable, they're comfortable.
Flowers taken home in our buckets are already conditioned in water with flower food. Taking them wrapped or boxed? Follow these steps.
Leave the bunch intact
Keep the sleeve, cardboard and rubber bands on — except lilies and roses you want to open more.
Fill with fresh, cool water
At least 4 inches, mixed with flower food to stop bacteria and feed the blooms.
Strip low leaves
Remove any foliage below the waterline. Wet leaves rot and shorten vase life.
Cut on an angle
With sharp shears, cut about an inch off each stem under running water, then place straight into water.
Give them time to drink
Allow at least 4 hours — most flowers take 8 to 12 hours to fully hydrate.
Keep it cool & shady
Store between 35–75°F, away from sun, drafts, vents and heat. Not in a home fridge — cold spots freeze flowers.
Refresh daily
Change water every 24 hours and re-cut stems every 24–48 hours.
Mind the fruit bowl
Fruits, vegetables and some plants release ethylene gas, which makes flowers wilt early.
Finish with a spray
Crowning Glory or Finishing Touch helps finished designs stay hydrated longer.
Revive hydrangeas
Submerge wilting heads for 2–3 hours, shake off, re-cut and stand upright. Nine times out of ten they bounce back.
How-to video tutorials
Short lessons on the most-requested wedding pieces.
Ready to place your wedding order?
Email your list to orders@horstflowers.com or call — we recommend ordering at least two weeks ahead.